Description
Sesame chicken delivers a quick, protein-packed dinner that makes weeknight cooking totally delightful. Crispy chicken pieces nestled with green beans over fluffy rice create a satisfying meal your family will devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins & Vegetables:
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups green beans
Seasonings & Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet at medium-high heat until the surface shimmers with heat.
- Sprinkle your chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then cook for 6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate, keeping the delicious pan drippings.
- Pour remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil into the same skillet, tossing in 2 cups trimmed green beans.
- Sauté green beans for 4 minutes, maintaining a slight crunch and vibrant green color.
- Whisk ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl.
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water, then blend into the sauce mixture until smooth.
- Return chicken and green beans to the skillet, pouring the sesame sauce over everything.
- Simmer sauce for 2 minutes, gently stirring to ensure even coating and slight thickening.
- Plate your chicken and green beans over 2 cups hot rice.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and chopped green onion on top for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Get your skillet really hot before adding chicken to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in delicious flavor.
- Use fresh green beans for the crispiest texture, and don’t overcook them to maintain their bright green color and slight crunch.
- Adjust the honey in the sauce to control sweetness – less honey makes a more savory dish, while more creates a slightly sweeter coating.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari and use a gluten-free cornstarch to thicken the sauce perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 308 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 435 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg